Polychlorinated biphenyls and other organic chemical residues in fish from major United States watersheds near the Great Lakes, 1978

Twenty-six composite samples of fish were collected during 1978 from United States watersheds near the Great Lakes and analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and related organic chemicals. PCB mixtures resembling Aroclor 1254 were found in all samples, and mixtures resembling Aroclor 1242 (or 1016) were found in 77 percent of the samples. Total PCB concentrations in the whole-fish composite samples ranged from 0.13 to 14.6 ppm; 65 percent of the samples contained more than 2 ppm PCBs. DDT and its metabolites were found in all samples. sigma DDT concentration was 1.66 ppm, and 81 percent of the samples contained less than 1.0 ppm sigma DDT. Chlordane ranged from less than 0.001 to 2.57 ppm in 38 percent of the samples. Hexachlorobenzene was found in 65 percent of the samples, ranging from less than 0.005 to 0.447 ppm. Other chemicals identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry included petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorobenzenes, chlorostyrenes, chlorophenols, and chlorinated aliphatic compounds. Fish from the Ashtabula River (Ohio), Rock River (Ohio), and Wabash River (Indiana) contained extremely complex residues of chlorinated and other organic chemicals.     

Pesticide residues in fat of cattle treated with backrubbers impregnated with coumaphos,methoxychlor or DDT

Cattle were treated thrice weekly for 12 weeks with simulated backrubbers impregnated with 1% solutions of pesticides in mineral oils. Both coumaphos and methoxychlor applied in S.A.E. 50 oil induced maximum residues of 0–21 ppm in omental fat after 12 weeks treatment. Application of DDT in S.A.E. 50 oil or in used crankcase oil induced residues of 0·5–7 ppm DDT in omental fat after 12 weeks treatment. Where diesel fuel oil was the vehicle, DDT residues in omental fat were in the range 17–26ppm.     

Insecticide residues in the Tuttle Creek Reservoir Ecosystem, Kansas-1970-71.

Various components of the aquatic ecosystem of Tuttle Creek Reservoir on the Big Blue River in northeastern Kansas were examined for organochlorine insecticide residues in 1970-71. Components examined were water, sediments, periphyton, zooplankton, insects, and whole-body samples of 10 common fish species. Only dieldrin and sigmaDDT residues were detected. Dieldrin was found in part of the nonfish samples at levels ranging up to 0.01 ppm and in 97 percent of the fish samples with a high level of 0.17 ppm. SigmaDDT residues were also detected in part of the nonfish samples at levels ranging up to 0.42 ppm, and in 98 percent of the fish samples at levels as high as 0.57 ppm. Authors' findings are roughly similar to those of other surveys of Kansas fishes. All levels are relatively low compared with those reported in surveys from other parts of the Nation.     

Residues of organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in fish from Lakes Huron and Superior, Canada--1968-76.

Five species of fish from Lake Superior and 12 species from Lake Huron were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) between 1968 and 1975. Mean residues of sigma DDT peaked at 1.72 ppm and 7.60 ppm in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from Lakes Superior and Huron, respectively. By 1975, the mean level of sigma DDT had decreased in lake trout and was highest in bloaters (Coregonus hoi) from both lakes: 1.06 ppm and 1.87 ppm, respectively. Dieldrin levels in fish from Lake Superior changed little over the same period. However, in 1969-70, dieldrin levels in fish from Lake Huron exceeded the 0.3 ppm tolerance level set by Health and Welfare Canada or the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 5 percent of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and 10 percent of bloaters. By 1975, 50 percent of bloaters caught in Georgian Bay and North Channel had dieldrin levels above 0.3 ppm. PCB residues declined in lake trout and lake whitefish caught in Lake Superior between 1971 and 1975, but increased slightly in bloaters and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni). Mean PCB residues in bloaters caught in Lake Huron in 1969-71 and 1975-76, and splake (Salvelinus fontinalis and S. namaycush) and cisco (Coregonus artedii) caught in 1975 exceeded the 2 ppm tolerance level.     

Total mercury in water, sediment, and selected aquatic organisms, Carson River, Nevada--1972.

A 1971-72 study of the Nevada Carson River drainage system by the Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Interior, revealed substantial amounts of mercury from pre-1900 gold and silver milling operations of the Comstock Lode. A monitoring survey was initiated to determine the extent of mercury uptake from corresponding surface water and sediments for seven aquatic species collected from five sampling stations along the watercourse. Total mercury content in fish ranged from 0.02 to 2.72 ppm; highest concentrations occurred in piscivorous white bass (0.50-2.72 ppm) sampled from Lahontan Reservoir. Residue levels appeared to be related to fish size, as demonstrated by highly significant correlations between wet weight and mercury content of five of the six species. Concentrations also appeared to be directly influenced by the species' position on the aquatic food chain. These results indicate that mercury levels in some fish from the Carson River drainage system may exceed the 0.50 ppm maximum concentration considered by the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, to be safe for human consumption.     

Metabolism of the methoxychlor isostere,dianisylneopentane, in mouse,insects, and a model ecosystem

Dianisylneopentane or 1,1-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropane was metabolized largely by O-demethylation to form mono- and diphenol derivatives. Only a small percentage was degraded by α-hydroxylation and rearrangement. In the model ecosystem, dianisylneopentane reacted very similarly to methoxychlor, accumulating in fish to about the same extent and yielding a slightly higher ratio of polar to nonpolar metabolites. The neopentyl group proved to be approximately as stable in biological systems as the isosterically equivalent trichloromethyl group.     

PCB's in fish from selected waters of New York State.

PCB residues in fish from 41 stations throughout New York State were monitored in 1975. Nearly all fish contained PCB's in detectable amounts although the levels of contamination and specific Aroclor varied. The Hudson River contained the highest known PCB concentrations within the United States; levels often exceeded 100 ppm. Other waters and fish which were significantly contaminated include Lake Ontario salmonids and Cayuga Lake lake trout. Onondaga Lake, previously closed to fishing because of mercury contamination, also appears to have abnormally high levels of PCB's approaching in some instances the action level of the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Samples from marine waters generally have contaminant levels substantially below 5.0 ppm.     

Total mercury levels in selected human tissues, Idaho-1973-74(1,2)

Total mercury levels were determined in human tissues taken at autopsy from six hospitals in the three basic geographical areas of Idaho. Of the 242 specimens analyzed, 76 percent contained detectable mercury. Levels were compared with respect to the age, sex, and geographic residence of autopsied individuals. Mean levels detected were 1.04 ppm in kidney tissue, 0.34 ppm in liver, and 0.08 ppm in brain. Mean mercury levels for the three geographical areas were: southeastern Idaho, 0.22 ppm; southwestern Idaho, 0.80 ppm; and northern Idaho, 0.43 ppm. The relatively high means in southwestern Idaho specimens may be related to the preponderance of natural cinnabar deposits in that portion of the State. Mercury levels were higher in women than men for all tissues in both the southwestern and northern areas, but the reverse was true in the southeast. Data were compared with findings of other investigators in an attempt to arrive at background levels of total mercury residues in human tissues.     

Concentration related responses of chlorpyriphos in antioxidant, anaerobic and protein synthesizing machinery of the freshwater fish, Heteropneustes fossilis

Impacts of chlorpyriphos (2, 4, 6 ppm) on the profiles of antioxidant (catalase) and anaerobic (lactate dehydrogenase) enzymes and other macromolecular contents (DNA, RNA, protein) of various tissues of the freshwater fish, Heteropneustes fossilis were studied. Chlorpyriphos significantly decreased the specific activity of catalase (CAT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the brain, liver, gill and skeletal muscle of the fish. The reduction in specific activity might be due to the binding of chlorpyriphos or its metabolites with the enzyme molecules or affecting the synthesis and/or degradation of the enzymes. Like enzymes, the DNA, RNA and protein contents decreased in the brain, liver, gill and skeletal muscle of the fish as a function of increase in chlorpyriphos concentrations (2-6 ppm). The chlorpyriphos-induced reduction in these biochemical constituents might be because of alteration in their turnover (synthesis/degradation) in different tissues. The maximum effects on CAT, LDH, DNA, RNA and protein were obtained in response to 6 ppm chlorpyriphos. The present findings suggest chlorpyriphos concentration related impairment in antioxidative, anaerobic and protein synthesizing capacity of the fish. Therefore, the use of higher concentrations of chlorpyriphos should be avoided to protect the health of economically important freshwater food fish.     

Mercury concentrations in fish, North Atlantic offshore waters--1971.

Mercury concentrations were determined in muscle and liver of 41 species of fish and a limited number of plankton, sediment, and invertebrate samples collected from North Atlantic offshore waters in 1971. The average mercury concentration in fish muscle was 0.154 ppm with a standard deviation of 0.124. Invertebrate samples had mercury concentrations which were generally less than 0.1 ppm. In a single lobster sample, however, 0.31 ppm mercury was found in the tail muscle and there was 0.60 ppm in the liver. Mercury levels in all 9 plankton and 10 sediment samples taken were less than 0.05 ppm.     

Organochlorine residues and shell thicknesses in eggs of the clapper rail, common gallinule, purple gallinule, and limpkin (class Aves), eastern and southern United States, 1972-74

Organochlorine residues and shell thicknesses were surveyed in eggs of the clapper rail (Rallus longirostris), purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica), common gallinule (Gallinula chloropas), and limpkin (Aramus guarauna) from the eastern and southern United States. Clapper rail eggs were collected during 1972-73 in New Jersey, Virginia, and South Carolina. During 1973-74, gallinule eggs were collected in Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana, and limpkin eggs were collected in Florida. Egg contents were analyzed for residues of organochlorine pesticides, including DDT, TDE, DDE, dieldrin, mirex, heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane, cis-chlordane (and/or trans-nonachlor), cis-nonachlor, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), toxaphene, and endrin, and for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Shell thicknesses of recent eggs of these species were compared with archival eggs that had been collected before 1947. With the exception of the limpkin, the majority of eggs analyzed contained residues of p,p'-DDE and PCBs. Geometric means ranged from 0.10 ppm to 1.3 ppm. Small amounts (less than 1.0 ppm) of mirex, dieldrin, cis-chlordane (and/or trans-nonachlor), TDE, and DDT were detected in a few eggs. No evidence of eggshell thinning was found for any of the species studied. DDE residues in clapper rail eggs were higher in New Jersey and Virginia than in South Carolina.     

Dicofol residues in United States soils having a known history of its use as a miticide, 1974

Soil samples were collected from a total of 21 sites in California, Washington, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Dicofol (Kelthane) miticide had been applied at various times over a 5-year period to 17 of the sites; four sites had received no applications. Samples were collected at 0-75-mm and 75-150-mm depths, and submitted to gas-liquid chromatographic analysis. Samples from only four of the 17 treated sites contained mean residues equal to or exceeding 2.00 ppm. Residues in all cases were only a small fraction of the total amount applied. Apparently, a mechanism for the dissipation of dicofol exists, but it is unidentified at this time.     

Residues of organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in fish from Lakes Saint Clair and Erie, Canada--1968-76.

Eighteen species of fish from Lake Saint Clair and 19 species from Lake Erie were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) between 1968 and 1976. Mean residues of sigma DDT peaked at 1.19 ppm in longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) caught in Lake Saint Clair in 1970-71, but had declined in all species by 1975-76. Dieldrin levels in fish tissues increased over the same period. White bass (Morone chrysops), caught in 1975 in Lake Erie, had the highest mean residue of dieldrin at 0.17 ppm. PCB residues increased in some species and decreased in others. PCB residues exceeding the tolerance level of Health and Welfare Canada were found in the following: from Lake Saint Clair, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) in 1975 and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in 1971; from Lake Erie, coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in 1970, smallmouth bass, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), and gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) in 1971, and white bass in 1971 and 1976.     

Kepone distribution in the water column of the James River estuary--1976-78

Concentration of Kepone residues in water collected from the James River estuary in 1976-78 ranged from 0 to 1.20 ppb. The majority of water samples collected showed no detectable residues. Kepone concentrations at the surface and bottom of the water column were similar. Water column residues varied according to seasonal and spatial differences. Levels peaked during the summer months and averaged higher in the middle reach of the estuary. Residues in the water were 1-5 orders of magnitude lower than reported residues in James River bed sediments. There was a significant correlation between water column and underlying bed sediment residues.     

Mercury, arsenic, and cadmium in fish, water, and sediment of American Falls Reservoir, Idaho, 1974.

Mercury and cadmium were found in fish, water, and sediment of American Falls Reservoir (AFR), Idaho. Mercury and cadmium levels in some fish exceeded human health standards set by the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and the World Health Organization. Analyses performed on the flesh of rainbow trout showed mercury residues of up to 1.20 mg/kg, which were higher than residues previously reported in trout collected in 1970 and 1971 from AFR. Cadmium residue levels were as high as 0.80 mg/kg. Although arsenic was found in reservoir sediment at levels of 1.36-2.40 mg/kg, it was not detected in fish.     

DDT in northern pike (Esox lucius) from the Richelieu River, Québec, Canada, 1974-75

Concentrations of DDT, TDE, DDE, and sigma DDT were determined in homogenized whole fish samples of 129 northern pike (Esox lucius). These fish were netted between June 1974 and June 1975 in the first 10 km of the Richelieu River flowing in Canadian territory. Two years after the banning of DDT, sigma DDT levels ranged from 0.2 ppm fresh body weight in two-year-old specimens to 1.5 ppm in a six-year-old pike. Residues increased greatly with age, and significant seasonal variations in the sigma DDT levels were found in five- and six-year-old pike.     

Preliminary survey of ethylenethiourea residues in the Canadian food supply, 1972.

A preliminary monitoring program was initiated in 1972 to determine ethylenethiourea (ETU) content of the Canadian food supply. Of 167 samples analyzed, 90 were domestic and 77 were imported. Samples were analyzed by electron-capture/gas-liquid chromatography. Thirty-three percent of the samples contained detectable ECU residues; most of these were 0.020 ppm or less. Highest levels, 0.047 and 0.083 ppm, were found in canned spinish and orange peel respectively.     

Nationwide residues of organochlorines in wings of adult mallards and black ducks, 1972-73.

Organochlorine residues in wings of adult mallards and black ducks were monitored during the 1972-73 hunting season. DDE, DDT, DDD, dieldrin, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) were present in all samples. Mallard wings from Alabama contained the highest mean levels of DDE, DDT, DDD, dieldrin, and PCB's. Mallards and black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway and mallards from the Pacific Flyway contained significantly lower DDE residues than in 1969-70. Black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway contained significantly less dieldrin than in 1969-70, and mallards in the Central and Pacific Flyways contained significantly lower levels of PCB's. As in 1969-70, DDE residues were lowest in the Central Flyway and highest in the Atlantic Flyway. The average PCB level remained unchanged in the Atlantic Flyway but was higher in the Mississippi Flyway than in 1969-70, probably because of the unusually high levels in Alabama samples. All organochlorine residues in black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway significantly correlated. DDE concentrations in mallards from the Atlantic Flyway significantly correlated with those of DDT, DDD, and PCB's.     

Organochlorine insecticide residues in bovine milk and manufactured milk products in Illinois, 1971-76.

Monitoring activities were initiated in 1971 to survey the occurence and levels of organochlorine insecticide residues in bovine milk and manufactured milk products in Illinois. Dieldrin residues were the most prevalent, and were found in 96 percent of the samples. Dieldrin also accounted for the highest average residue concentration (0.09 ppm). Only 0.3% of the samples contained illegal insecticide residues. Levels of DDT and lindane were generally declining, but those for dieldrin and heptachlor epoxide tended to remain constant.     

Accumulation of endosulfan residues in fish and their predators after aerial spraying for the control of tsetse fly in Botswana

Residues of endosulfan insecticide (α- and β-isomers, and ‘endosulfan sulphate’) in fish and their predators were measured during and after operations to control tsetse fly in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Six ultra-low-volume doses of endosulfan 35% e.c. (6–12 g a.i. ha^?1) were applied from the air in a period of 12 weeks over 2500 km². The concentration of residues found in living fish was up to 0.19 mg kg^?1 wet wt in caudal muscle, and usually < 0.8 mg kg^?1 wet wt in pooled viscera (maximum 2.8 mg kg^?1). These values returned to near-normal within 3 months after cessation of spraying, but residues were still detectable after 12 months. By comparison, fish killed by spraying contained a maximum residue level (whole-body) of 1.5 mg kg^?1 wet wt. The residue level in fish was approximately proportional to their fat content. Lean fish were more susceptible to poisoning than fat fish. The proportion of the ‘endosulfan sulphate’ metabolite in fish increased at least six times with respect to the parent isomers (α+β) during the period of spraying, but more advanced stages of metabolic breakdown were not monitored. Residue levels in fish predators (fish-eating birds and crocodiles) were similar to those in their prey, and the risk to them was consequently low.